June 8

Working my way upstream on the Pine River from Midland County, I find myself in Gratiot County, walking beside a municipal water tower in a residential section of St. Louis. Under mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 60’s, I proceed west toward the river where I spot colorful blossoms of Dame’s Rocket, an attractive but highly invasive plant seen throughout the watershed. Passing through dense woodlands of oak and maple, I pause on a steep bank to watch the river flow gently by, some 100’ below. Turning north, I work my way downslope to the river’s edge where I pause to notice flood debris of dead leaves and branches clinging to some shrubs and small trees up to about 5’ off the ground. I’m amazed that some 2 weeks ago, I would have been standing here, chest deep in water as the flooded river came rushing through this area. Continuing north along the shore, I come upon some Raccoon tracks and a large deposit of finger-nail size Zebra Mussel shells. Over the past 35 years, these invasive mollusks have spread through North America virtually unchecked; disrupting native ecosystems, damaging power plants, clogging pipes and clustering on anything in their path. However, a new Michigan–made, bio-pesticide called Zequanox is now being used to kill them while leaving other organisms alive and unharmed. Finding a groomed pathway, I pause to listen to the birds, feel a gentle breeze and gaze at the flowing water ahead, glistening from the morning sun. Hanging over the muddy water nearby are leaves of Elm and Weeping Willow. Turning around to retrace my steps, I come upon a patch of wild onions displaying their olive-size flower buds. Continuing south back to where I began, I notice several dead and fallen Ash trees, ravaged by the Ash Borer. Back up the steep bank, I turn east and exit the woods where I notice a patch of flowering Orchard Grass as well as a few blossoms of Goat’s Beard, named for the flower after it goes to seed (stock photo). Approaching the car, I stoop down to spot tiny blossoms of Chickweed and Hop Clover nestled in the lawn. After finding the car where Caroline waits patiently reading her novel, we head for home.

Once, your water flowed fast and free

carving a course through the lay of the land.

Interrupted by earthen dikes and dams,

Channeled by concrete bridges and banks.

you have survived this gauntlet of man

and your true path and pace restored.

Now your water flows freely again

to meander through forest and field

without human havoc to divert your way.

Harmony again! Run, river, run!

D. DeGraaf